NEW ORLEANS – Two plaintiffs have filed suit together against those they claim exposed them to asbestos.
William Smedley and Patrick Turner filed suit on Feb. 2 in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court against Phillips 66 and nine others.
The plaintiffs claim they were offshore oil rig workers when they were exposed to drilling mud and other materials containing asbestos fibers. The plaintiffs claim they were injured by the exposure due to severe emotional distress and fear of cancer.
The defendants are accused of not warning the plaintiffs of the dangers of asbestos products, breach of legally imposed duty of reasonable care, failing to provide a safe place to work, failing to provide adequate health protections, exposing plaintiffs to known health hazard, ignoring safety standards and failing to monitor and supervise plaintiffs.
An unspecified amount in damages is sought for lost wages, medical expenses, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical monitoring, emotional distress and the development of or fear of cancer. The plaintiffs are also seeking punitive damages.
The plaintiffs are being represented by Timothy J. Young of the New Orleans-based Young Firm.
The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Herbert A. Cade.
Case number 2012-01037